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An online journal about visual art, the urban landscape and design. Mary Louise Schumacher, the Journal Sentinel's art and architecture critic, leads the discussion and a community of writers contribute to the dialogue.

Water, water, everywhere (or what to see this weekend)

As the snow from a relentless Wisconsin winter has given way to wet weather, why not spend Mother's Day weekend reflecting on this universal symbol of fertility and rebirth -- water.

This element of nature is my theme as I make recommendations to you about art to see over the weekend. So, put on some galoshes and see some art!

Would your mom enjoy tea and scones with her art? If so, the Anaba Tea Room, 2107 E. Capitol Dr., is featuring "On the Water: Lake Michigan Paintings" by Curt Crain. Crain's luscious waterscapes, which go on view Saturday, will have her dreaming of summer by the lake. An opening reception with the artist runs from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Or, go south to be immersed in art inspired by our Great Lake and all of water's variations such as oceans, rivers and pools. The Aqua Bleu Exhibition at ArtSpace, 316 Sixth St., in Racine opens Friday with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. The show is curated by Art City contributor Jessica Zalewski and features a variety of painters, photographers and sculptors from Southeastern Wisconsin.

Even further south, the Chicago Botanic Gardens are awash in a sea of tulips and daffodils. Especially lovely are the serene Japanese Gardens. Stroll among waterfalls and gaze at floating islands that hint at immortality. However, watch your step on those crooked bridges designed to sink evil spirits. If the weather does not suit you, I suggest the rare botanical book exhibit currently on display, or the tropical greenhouse. There, you will find yourself surrounded by topiaries sculpted into massive dinosaurs, lizards, and flamingos made of pink bromeliads. The garden is open from 8 until sunset.

If the garden scene is too tame for you, how about viewing tidal waves? Contemporary artist June Wayne created a series of tapestries with massive waves, based on her childhood memories of the lake. They are on display at The Art Institute of Chicago through May 15th as part of the "June Wayne Narrative Tapestries: Tidal Waves, DNA, and the Cosmos" exhibit. Other than the use of classic weaving techniques, there is nothing traditional about these tapestries. While there, be sure to explore the Contemporary Fiber Art exhibit. This fantastic show, culled from the permanent collection, is only on display through Sunday.

If your Mother's Day travels take you in the direction of Minneapolis, consider stopping to see the "Voice on the River" exhibit at The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson. In a show that opens today, boats are fashioned from natural fibers and displayed to increase public awareness of threats to the health of the St. Croix River. A slide show highlights the process.

Ok, so perhaps we have a few non-water-related events to tell you about, too.

The very first MK-Eat dinner will be hosted Saturday at the Riverwest Public House at 6 p.m. This is a wonderful project that allows art lovers to gather for a simple, locally sourced meal, make a small donation and choose an art project to fund in Milwaukee. In a time of decreased funding for the arts, this kind of collective, micro funding, which has taken root in places like Syracuse, New York, Brooklyn, Minneapolis and Detroit, is a great way to come together as a community and support creative projects and expand artistic opportunities locally.

And Finally, the end is near. The "Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century" at the Milwaukee Art Museum will close after next weekend. Here's Mary Louise's review. You don't want to miss this show, which is worth repeated viewings and which is attracting great crowds.

Lonnie Turner was the former Creative Director at the Milwaukee Journal Senitnel. She is a designer, illustrator and frequent Art City contributor.

Credits, top to bottom: "Chromascape79" by Beki Borman, "Fountain" by Lora Ellingson, "Violet Sky" by Karina Schafer; at Aqua Bleu.

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Keep up with the art scene and trends in urban design with art and architecture critic Mary Louise Schumacher. Every week, you'll get the latest reviews, musings on architecture and her picks for what to do on the weekends.